Disneyland when pregnant

[firsttimemumma2]

Hi everyone. We were planning to take my 22 month old to Disneyland Paris next month before her second birthday. I’ve recently found out I’m expecting again. Is it worth going when pregnant? My husband thinks it’s worth waiting until the next baby is about 2 and our daughter will be 4 and a half. But it is also my 30th this month and I selfishly still want to go - but don’t know if being pregnant will limit me too much? Thank you :) x

Every woman and pregnancy is different but I don't think I could handle the walking. You also won't be able to go on any of the rides so I think it will limit you if you care about that - that would be a downer for me.

I was super active before I got pregnant and now am 28 weeks, I just spent a weekend in York and was absolutely wiped out from all the walking. I spent a lot of my first trimester asleep 😂

I'm sure you will enjoy being there as it is amazing, but if you have to choose between now and in the future I think you'd enjoy it more in the future. The 4.5 year old would be even more excited about it at that point too.

Counterpoint: if you have just found out you are pregnant, and you are going next month, it is pretty early days. You might be tired, but then you take it slow and have lots of sit downs. If you are going with a very small child you wouldn't be going on any major rides anyway - if a ride is fine for a child under 2 surely it's fine for you in the first trimester? Being pregnant with a toddler is hard work, but it's going to be hard work anywhere, you may as well have some fun as well! Also, I would want to treasure this opportunity for a special trip with just your daughter, once baby arrives things are going to be a bit different. Wonderful! but different.

Basically, listen to your body and don't overdo it, but I'm sure you can have a magical trip even so. Enjoy!

Thanks both! It’s such a hard choice because I want to soak up the memories but part of me does think it’s better to save the money and do it another time!

If you think you'll be able to visit DL again in a few years time, then yes I think you should go now. DLP has a priority bracelet for expecting mothers (you’ll need medical proof). It allows priority but not immediate access to rides, shows, character meets and cash desks.
You’ll be going at a slower, relaxed pace anyway because you’ve got a 22 month old who won’t be able to endure the whole day from park opening to closure. You’ll likely need to return to your hotel for mid-day naps for her sake, so nap when she does! Take a stroller for her with lots of underneath storage so you don’t have to carry anything.
If you think you’ll only ever get one DL holiday, then wait and make the most of it when they’re both a bit older and you’re not pregnant.

We went when I was around 9/10 weeks and it was fine. I'd had an early scan due to some issues so used that as proof of pregnancy to qualify for the expectant mother's wristband.

I was able to go on some rides, It’s a Small World, Dumbo and Buzz Lightyear are the ones I remember but it may have changed. There’s obviously the parade, shows and general ambience too.

I think it depends on you and your family. If you're generally an active person, you feel well in yourself and you don't mind sitting out on some of the rides I'd say you're good to go.

I think I agree with your OH. You will have a better time not pregnant, and your oldest will have more fun. DLP is brilliant for kids, and I have done it about 12 times, with aged 6 months to 16 years, but I think it does suit slightly older kids. They just get more out of it, I had to take a baby and a toddler as my older children were 5-7 years older, but not sure the youngest, or I got anything out of it. We might as well have been anywhere. The free bus back to your accom can also be brutal as they are packed, and everyone has kids / pushchairs and so on, so can be a bit exhausting, parks are also fairly big. I personally think that 8-12 is the best time for Disney, but if you have younger kids then they have to come along granted. Good luck with whatever you decide xx

I would be Team DH here.

Surely the only main reason for going to Disneyland Paris is for the kids and, at not quite two, your DD won't fully appreciate it anyway. Wait for two, or better still, three years and both DC will be more likely to get something out of it.

We went when DD was about five and that seemed like the perfect age. I think there were still a small number of rides she was too young for but, on the whole, she enjoyed it enormously.

I had sickness and nausea kick in at around 10 weeks with two of mine, so wouldn't have wanted to go. Also my bladder was certainly over active.